Legal Counsel

To provide quality legal advice to the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to support the achievement of the DFSA’s regulatory objectives.

• To provide timely and high-quality legal advice for the DFSA on a wide range of mainly regulatory issues relating to financial services in the DIFC.
• To provide timely and high-quality legal advice for the DFSA particularly on statutory interpretation, public law, conflicts of laws and contract law.
• Draft and facilitate the enactment of legislation.

• Provide timely and accurate legal advice.
• Analyse and advise on legislation that may affect the DFSA.
• Provide legal advice on public law matters, including advising decision-makers within the DFSA.
• Draft DFSA legislation (laws and rules) and guidance.
• Alert the Director to potential delays and significant issues.
• Maintain a constructive, responsive, client-focused and appropriately independent working relationship with other departments of the DFSA.

• Barrister/Solicitor current practising certificate or equivalent right to practice in law, preferably from a common law jurisdiction.
• 5 years post qualification legal experience, with either a highly ranked international law firm, dealing with financial services regulation; or the legal department of a financial services regulator.
• Demonstrated experience of advising on financial services legislation and regulatory matters.

• Strong legal and analytical skills. Knowledge of financial services law.
• Knowledge of financial services and financial products
• Having drafting skills would be an advantage but not essential.
• Ability to undertake, and take responsibility for, legal matters with or without supervision.
• Strong and fluent communication skills, both written and verbal is essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate with and persuade professional colleagues and the regulated community and ability to contribute effectively in multidisciplinary teams.